Whether it’s worthwhile to get training on WordPress depends on your specific needs, goals, and level of familiarity with the platform.

Here are some factors to consider, according to ChatGPT:

1. Familiarity with WordPress:

  • If you’re new to WordPress or have limited experience using it, training can be incredibly beneficial. Learning the basics of WordPress, including how to navigate the dashboard, create and edit content, install plugins, and manage themes, can help you build and maintain your website more effectively.
  • Comment: I can remember the first time I logged into a WordPress website control panel. The number of options was scary and I was terrified of making a mistake and breaking the website! My advice is to get some experienced advice on what all the options do, and select a few to begin with, that will allow you to “ease yourself in” to the software platform.

2. Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  • Determine which specific skills and knowledge you need to achieve your goals with WordPress. Training programs can cover a wide range of topics, from basic website setup and customization to advanced topics like SEO optimization, e-commerce integration, and website security.
  • Comment: For example, get a basic Blog set up, and learn how to add new Blog post. Learn how the Yoast SEO plugin works, so you can begin to (a) add content, and (b) ensure it is keyword-rich, and ready for Google to crawl.

3. Customization and Advanced Features:

  • If you want to customize your WordPress website extensively or implement advanced features and functionalities, training can help you learn how to use tools like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and PHP. Training can also teach you how to leverage WordPress plugins and themes to achieve your desired customization.
  • Comment: To be honest, unless you have a programming background, I would advise staying away from the above. If you need custom features on your website, get your web agency to do it. Those are things they do every day and they are expert at it!

4. Efficiency and Productivity:

  • Training on WordPress can improve your efficiency and productivity by teaching you how to use WordPress more effectively. Learning shortcuts, best practices, and time-saving techniques can streamline your workflow and help you accomplish tasks more quickly.

5. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving:

  • WordPress training can equip you with the skills to troubleshoot common issues and solve problems that arise with your website. Understanding how to diagnose and resolve technical issues can save you time and frustration in the long run.
  • Comment: Again, if your website has technical issues (slow page loading speeds, payments not working etc), my advice is to get your web agency to troubleshoot things. If it’s a host server issue, they will need to contact the hosting company, raise a ticket and get the issue sorted that way.

6. Keeping Up with Updates and Changes:

  • WordPress is constantly evolving, with new updates, features, and trends emerging regularly. Training can help you stay informed about the latest developments in WordPress and learn how to adapt your website accordingly.
  • Comment: A very important point! When in the website backend, you may see small red circles displaying the need to do updates or pay attention to Wordfence scanning issues. Getting comfortable with addressing these is a useful skill and means that you’re not entirely dependent on your web agency for support.

7. Cost and Resources:

  • Consider the cost and resources involved in WordPress training, including the financial investment, time commitment, and availability of training materials. Evaluate whether the benefits of training outweigh the costs for you and your business.
  • Comment: Having basic WordPress skills and a knowledge of the various components of the website, can help you keep your website safe. Ensuring all Admin users have 2FA and secure passwords; keeping all software modules updated; understanding the results of the Wordfence scans. If you can do your bit to ensure the website doesn’t get compromised, it can prolong the website’s life and ensure you don’t have to pay twice for expensive graphic design and web building.

8. Learning Preferences:

  • Take into account your learning preferences and style when deciding whether to pursue WordPress training. Some people prefer self-paced online courses, while others prefer instructor-led training or hands-on workshops.
  • Comment: My experience is that if you know what skills you want to get, and what parts of the website you want to be involved in building up, your WordPress trainer should be able to maximise the added value for your investment in training.

9. Long-Term Goals:

  • Consider your long-term goals and how WordPress training fits into your overall strategy. Investing in training now can provide valuable skills and knowledge that benefit you in the future as you continue to grow and develop your online presence.

10. Return on Investment (ROI):

  • Assess the potential return on investment (ROI) of WordPress training in terms of the value it brings to your website, business, or career. If training helps you build a more professional, functional, and successful website, it can be well worth the investment.

Ultimately, whether WordPress training is worthwhile depends on your individual circumstances and objectives. Assess your needs, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the training option that aligns best with your goals and preferences.

Need help building up your WordPress skills? Web.ie is running regular online courses, from Beginner to Advanced levels.

Contact Ian Jackson on 086 8326541, or email ianj@go2web.ie